Waltham Petcare Science Institute Achieves Top Sustainability Status: Leading the Way in Green Science

Waltham Petcare Science Institute has reached a remarkable milestone in its commitment to sustainability, earning the prestigious Green status from My Green Lab®—the highest accreditation awarded by the globally recognized non-profit dedicated to reducing the environmental footprint of laboratories. This achievement not only sets a new standard for scientific research at Waltham but also serves as an inspiring example for laboratories worldwide.

Why Sustainability Matters in Science

Laboratories are traditionally resource-intensive environments, consuming on average ten times more energy and four times more water than typical office spaces, and generating significant amounts of plastic waste. Recognizing the urgent need to address these challenges, the Waltham team embarked on an ambitious journey to prove that scientific excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

The Journey to Green: From Silver to the Top

The path to Green status began with a thorough assessment of current practices, guided by the structured framework provided by My Green Lab. Under the leadership of Beth Garner, Laboratory QSHE Manager, the team started from a respectable Silver accreditation and, in just 18 months, leapfrogged over Gold and Platinum categories to achieve an impressive 86% score—securing the highest Green accreditation. This accomplishment is believed to make Waltham the first in the Mars community to reach this level.

Small Changes, Big Impact

The transformation was driven by the formation of dedicated action groups. Their collaborative efforts led to a series of impactful initiatives:

• Waste Reduction: Swapping chemical plastic waste bins for lined cardboard ‘biobins’ reduced CO₂ emissions by 102kg per year. These bins are not only greener but also more cost-effective and ergonomic.
• Energy Efficiency: Replacing an outdated drying cabinet with a modern, efficient model saved over 100kg of CO₂ annually.
• Water Conservation: Installing aerators on high-throughput airlock sinks is expected to save approximately 4,000 litres of water each year.
• Digital Transformation: Eliminating paper receipts in urinalysis testing has cut nearly 2,000 feet of paper waste annually.

Empowering Associates: The Heart of Change

Commenting on the accreditation, Beth Garner said: “A cultural change was needed. There has been a huge leap in that mindset. People now look at projects and initiatives and actively seek ways to do things more sustainably. Everyone's highly engaged with sustainability, making proactive choices in their everyday work.”

The journey to Green status is not just a destination, but the beginning of ongoing efforts to make scientific research more sustainable.

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